Budapest to Istanbul
Experience Overview
From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the weathered architecture of Budapest, grand Ottoman palaces, “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania, and much more. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and exploration, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.
Highlights
- Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe
- Visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages
- Explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul
Trip Details
Product Code: 2132
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: EABI
Starts: Budapest, Hungary
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Budapest orientation walk
- Visit to the Balla Géza Winery
- Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages
- 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran)
- Bucharest orientation tour
- Hike to Arbanasi village
- Sofia orientation walk
- Istanbul city tour with local guide
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/pensions (11 nts), guest lodge (1 nt).
- 12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
- Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,789 ($215 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Day 2: Budapest to Balla Géza Winery
Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. After check out we visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat before we leave Budapest to travel to the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner. Tonight's accommodation will be at the winery's guesthouse on the property.
Day 3: Balla Géza Winery to Sighișoara
Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Explore the medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
Day 4: Sighișoara/Braşov
With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Day 5: Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
Day 6: Braşov/Bucharest
Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.
Day 7: Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
Day 10: Sofia/Plovdiv
Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here.
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
Day 11: Plovdiv/Istanbul
Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.
Day 12: Istanbul
Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace.
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.
Day 13: Istanbul
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure's far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Eric Townsley - Traveled, July 2024
Expectations well met.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Nancy Ng - Traveled, July 2024
Though there were some things I felt it could be improved, overall, I had enjoyed my experience for this trip. I met alot of wonderful tour group members, and have kept in touch with them. Also, I am SOOOO HAPPY I paid more for my own room.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Gerardo Blanco - Traveled, June 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! There were minor glitches in a very demanding itinerary when many things could have gone wrong, but didn’t. I’m so grateful to Christina for her hard work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2024
Laura Flores Sanchez - Traveled, June 2024
After my first roommie decided to leave the tour, it was a shame that our CEO assigned me to someone who didn't want to share a room with a person who snored. I asked for a change since the new roommate was disrespectful,.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2024
Andrew Rabagliati - Traveled, June 2024
Well organised tour. I found a nice Museum in Bucharest, but otherwise we could have spent the time better elsewhere in Bulgaria. I particularly liked the Romania segment, and I took the opportunity to spend extra time in the entry and exit cities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2024
Gregory Rubock - Traveled, June 2024
Enjoyed the trip, good company and a very good CEO, but experience diminished by long "luggage drags" from/to public transport and hotels
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
Diane Grant - Traveled, June 2024
Great, we are in our seventies, and the group ranged from 27 to 74. We all go on fine, great trip great leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
John Harriman Jr. - Traveled, June 2024
G-Adventures had created a great niche travel opportunity. Good Show!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Lois Peterson - Traveled, June 2024
Great trip. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Peter Johnson - Traveled, June 2024
The tour was orginised exceptually well with all of the logistic challanges, great personallty of our guide Faliva who made to toue memerable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2024
Neil Gloster - Traveled, June 2024
I would do it AGAIN !!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Lynn Mannering - Traveled, June 2024
I will definitely travel with G again ! it was exactly as described and the guide was exceptional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Neale Parker - Traveled, May 2024
A great trip where I learned a lot about an area I knew little about all while having a great time with great people. Flavia is excellent CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Vaughan Martin - Traveled, May 2024
GAdventue is a great way to see different countries. Always have a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Maureen ONeill - Traveled, May 2024
It was enjoyable made so by Alina who was a great guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Diana Hurlburt - Traveled, May 2024
This was a good experience you need to be physically active
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
Lisa Marfa - Traveled, May 2024
Such a fantastic way to get an in-depth travel experience. Loved every minute
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2024
Robert Freeman - Traveled, May 2024
Superb trip from start to finish. An impressive odyssey of cities, cultures and languages. Our guide Alina was enthusiastic and communicated clearly and repeatedly our upcoming itinerary and travel schedules. She obviously enjoys her work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2024
Angelo Marfa - Traveled, May 2024
We really enjoyed the group atmosphere of this travel experience. Our CEO did a good job of keeping us on track and on time. She also did a good job of bringing the group together socially. We enjoyed the pace of the tour as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2024
Amanda Emerson - Traveled, May 2024
I enjoyed this tour because the CEO and the people on it were great. It was great to see Romania, Bulgaria and Istanbul. The accommodation however has me questioning the value for money provided by Gadventures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
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